The mid-sized MPV sector has been hugely competitive ever since Renault designed the Scenic more than a decade ago. Now, there are all sorts of mid-sized MPVs to suit many budgets and needs.

Among the seven-seater models these days, the popular ones are the grey imported Toyota Wish and the Honda Stream. Besides this pair, there are of course others to choose from, like the officially imported Toyota Picnic, Nissan Lafesta and last but not least, the Mazda 5.

The Mazda 5 has just been through a facelift to keep it fit in the fight with the Wish and Stream. How can it make its stand against the highly popular pair?

High-5

Less than three years after it was introduced, the 5 gets its mid-life makeover. Externally, the changes are highly limited - which is no bad thing as we deem the 5 to have very well proportioned and purposeful looks for a people carrier. As with most facelifts, the most obvious changes to the exterior are at the front - it sports a new radiator grille and a sportier bumper with more aggressive air intakes, with the latter giving it a more purposeful and aggressive face and stance.

Changes elsewhere include new alloy wheel design and tail lamps with LED bulbs which looks highly distinctive when lit.

Most importantly, there are more changes under the hood too. The engine is largely similar as before but it now incorporates SVT (Sequential Valve Timing) to produce more power than in the previous model. Maximum output is now rated at 145bhp @ 6500rpm, with maximum torque quoted at 182Nm. The engine is pretty tractable at low to mid revs, which is an essential feature for a people carrier. However, rev it past 4,000rpm and it starts to get vocal - this is definitely not the most refined motor in the MPV class, and a far cry from Honda's smooth four-cylinders.

The engine is hooked up to an automatic gearbox, now with five forward ratios instead of four in the older model. The new transmission offers smooth and incise shifts, and is responsive to the driver's throttle inputs too. Addition of a fifth ratio helps performance in the lower gears, while at the same time improving refinement and efficiency at cruising speeds. It also offers a "+/-" manual selection mode for the keen and spirited driver.

Keeping up with Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom" product philosophy, handling is remarkably competent for an MPV with such a tall and upright stance. The steering is remarkable in terms of feel and feedback, and it responds rather quickly and diligently to the driver's inputs as well. Body control is really good, and it hardly leans into corners despite its height. The ride is also comfortable, with the suspension having the outright ability to soak up bumps and humps with aplomb. Obviously, Mazda's chassis engineers has got it right with the suspension settings with the 5 this time, offering just the right blend of handling and ride comfort.

Interior and Accomodation

Inside, there are some minor improvements in the new model. Rear passengers will welcome the addition of air-con vents, and the best part is that they can even adjust the fan speed at the rear as well. Driving environment is basically unchanged bar a new stereo head unit that looks less cluttered and incorporates an in-dash CD changer. There's still that highly adjustable driving position and the view from the driver's seat is just excellent.

Headroom all around is also excellent, thanks to the 5's high roof, with an electric sunroof on our local cars adding to the feeling of airiness and spaciousness within the cabin. Unlike some of its Japanese rivals, the 5's cabin is well crafted and made from reasonable quality materials and switchgear.

The sliding doors now get full electrical operation on both sides and can be operated either by the master button on the dash or via the key fob - a hugely practical feature for such a car. The 5, being an MPV, offers flexibility in the form of easily foldable seats to convert it into a load carrier if required.

In a nutshell

The Mazda 5 is hardly the best performer in the mid-sized MPV class, and its failing is the slightly unrefined engine when worked hard upon. But then again this is an MPV we're talking about, rather than a luxury executive saloon. As an MPV, the 5 has all the ticks in the right boxes, especially those labeled "space" and "practicality" thanks to its thoughtful features and design.

The Mazda 5 offers reasonable value. In addition, the 5's list of standard kit includes the two electric sliding doors, electric sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric folding mirrors, climate control, factory fitted stereo with MP3 capability and additional controls on the steering wheel, ABS with EBD and not forgetting twin frontal airbags.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Engine: 1,999cc, 4-cylinders in-line, DOHC
Power: 145bhp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 182Nm @ 4,500rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manual selection mode
0-100km/h: 11.4 seconds

Length / Width / Height: 4,565 mm/1,755mm/1,515mm
Wheelbase: 2,750mm

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